Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Olive Oil for Wrinkles, Hair and More!

Did you know that olive oil was originally used medically and cosmetically? Olive oil was considered a necessary ingredient to create perfumes, cosmetics, and ointments. In its pure state, olive oil contains large amounts of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. These act as antioxidants protecting hair and skin from damaging free radicals.

Olive Oil for Wrinkles

Olive oil has been used topically to prevent wrinkles since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, including the famous King Tut, used olive oil as an emollient to soften skin

Olive oil treatment for wrinkles

Method

You can take olive oil orally, by eating a green salad with an olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Taking olive oil this way also gives you the benefit of the antioxidants and anti-inflammatories contained in dark green leafy lettuce. There are many other ways to incorporate olive oil into your diet, but putting it on salad is probably your healthiest alternative.

You can also use olive oil topically:

First, steam your face by boiling water, pouring it into a bowl, and then draping a towel over your head to make a steam tent. Steam for five to 15 minutes.

Second, Massage olive oil into damp skin.

Why It Works?
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which makes up about 25 percent of the fatty acids in the skin. Monounsaturated fat helps the skin to resist damage caused by oxidation. Olive oil is also high in vitamin E, which many health practitioners consider to be the most important fat soluble vitamin in the body. One tablespoon of olive oil contains almost nine percent of the RDA for vitamin E. Olive oil is high in other antioxidants as well, including polyphenols. Olive oil also contains oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory.

Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil, which has lower acidity than other varieties. If you are using olive oil in cooking, be careful not to overheat it.

Sales of skin and hair care products are a multi-billion dollar business and growing. Many of the latest “miracle in a jar” options are marketed as high-end, but costly, solutions to everyday challenges: how to keep skin moisturized, hair healthy, and facial skin free of wrinkles. Some of the most popular products, promoted as “natural” solutions, even incorporate olive oil as a key ingredient in their formulas.

Vitamins A and E in Olive Oil really help repair and renew skin that has been damaged from overexposure to sun, air pollution, and other modern-day environmental hazards – like cigarette smoke and fast food. These antioxidants have the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, smoother, and healthier state.

Skin Moisturizer

Whether applied to face or body, olive oil will penetrate deep into the skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple. Used either as a night cream or daily moisturizer, it is best applied to damp skin, when water can help reduce any feeling of greasiness.

Some people have also suggested that a little lemon juice mixed with olive oil can provide a more bracing and refreshing feeling.

Exfoliator

If dry and scaly skin is a problem, mixolive oil and sea salt in a rub and massage it into the affected area to slough off dead skin and enrich the healthy layer beneath it. Or add a few tablespoons of olive oil with a drop or two of lavender essential oil in a bath. This is a luxurious way to relax, soothe and moisturize the whole body.

Nail and Cuticle Care

Extra virgin olive oil makes the perfect, simple solution for dry nails and cuticles. Simply rub a few drops into the cuticle area and around the nail. Cuticles stay plump and moist, and nails respond with a natural shine.

Eye Makeup Remover

Just a drop or two of extra virgin olive oil on a cotton pad is all it takes to gently and effectively remove eye makeup without irritating the delicate skin around the eye area. The biggest added advantage is that when used consistently, olive oil can soften the skin around the eyes and smooth out wrinkles.

Hair Care and Olive Oil

When used on hair and scalp, olive oil can be considered two products: a deep conditioner and a dandruff controller. After shampooing, massage a mixture of equal amounts of olive oil and water into your hair. Leave on for 5 minutes, then shampoo and rinse. Your scalp will benefit from healthy conditioning; your hair will respond with more shine and strength.